2025-12-26: Motivation without a plan is wasted energy

Today, my plans changed drastically, and as a result I unexpectedly gained three free hours. Instead of using that time intentionally, I let it slip away to binge-watching and doom-scrolling. The issue wasn’t a lack of motivation; it was a lack of preparedness. I simply wasn’t ready to suddenly have three unstructured hours.

Lesson learned: free time needs a plan just as much as busy time does. When structure disappears, a vacuum forms - and it gets filled by distraction.

I need to have a short “extra-time plan”: a list of meaningful activities that can be started immediately when time opens up. Such as reading a book, doing some PT exercises, or watching useful YouTube videos. All of these activities require some preparation, but I believe that effort will pay for itself.

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